Bangladesh

SAFETY & SECURITY

• Crude bomb attacks and arson are active threats — since July 2024, explosive devices have detonated in crowded public places (hotels, theatres, transport hubs, markets). Westerners have been targeted. Further attacks are likely.

Prepare: Stay away from crowded tourist areas, markets, hotels, and places where foreigners congregate; keep to low-profile movements and avoid religious holidays when large gatherings occur.

• Demonstrations, blockades, and nationwide general strikes (hartals) can turn violent — protests often escalate Friday afternoons after prayers. Past violence has killed thousands. During blockades, vehicles are firebombed and railways derailed; during hartals, all transportation and businesses shut down, leaving you stranded.

Prepare: Monitor local media daily for protest warnings; avoid Dhaka entirely during hartals; if caught in a blockade, shelter in place with 2–3 days of food, water, and fuel stockpiled.

• Chittagong Hill Tracts region is off-limits — politically motivated violence, kidnappings, and ethnic clashes are ongoing. If you ignore this advisory, you must notify the Chittagong Divisional Commissioner's Office at least 10 days ahead.

Prepare: Do not travel to this region. Do not attempt to visit without explicit prior authorization from the Commissioner.

• Security forces are heavily present in major cities; expect checkpoints and identification demands — traffic disruptions and delays are routine.

Prepare: Carry your passport and copies at all times; expect to produce ID at random checkpoints; allow extra time for all journeys.

• Terrorism remains a credible threat nationwide, especially in Dhaka — targets include government buildings, airports, transport hubs, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, and hotels. Religious minorities and secular figures have been attacked.

Prepare: Avoid government areas, religious sites during holidays, and crowded entertainment venues; vary your daily routine.

• Violent crime (armed robbery, rape) and kidnapping for ransom occur — kidnappings of foreigners are rare but possible. Petty crime (pickpocketing, mugging) is common in tourist areas.

Prepare: Never walk alone or after dark; do not display valuables or jewelry; decline help from strangers at the airport; use only hotel-booked taxis; keep your passport in a hotel safe.

• Women travelling alone face harassment and verbal abuse — forced marriages affecting foreigners have occurred; some victims had passports retained by family.

Prepare: Travel with a companion if possible; keep digital copies of your passport separate from the original; if forced into travel for marriage, contact the Canadian embassy or call Emergency Watch and Response Centre (+1-613-996-8885).

• Specific high-alert zones in Dhaka: National Parliament House, Bangladesh Secretariat, Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, University of Dhaka, Kawran Bazar commercial district — avoid these areas, especially during demonstrations.

Prepare: Study a map of these zones before arrival; plan routes that bypass them; use a guide or hotel staff to identify safer paths.

HEALTH

• No active major disease outbreaks reported for Bangladesh — however, verify current situation with local health authorities or your doctor immediately before travel.

Prepare: Check Health Canada and WHO travel health alerts 1–2 weeks before departure.

• Routine and travel vaccines strongly recommended — consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for recommendations tailored to your itinerary and medical history.

Prepare: Book a travel health appointment; bring documentation of all vaccinations (especially yellow fever if travelling onward from endemic regions).

• Malaria and dengue are present — risk is higher in rural and forested areas; urban Dhaka has lower but non-zero risk. Dengue transmitted by mosquito is active year-round, peaks in monsoon.

Prepare: Use insect repellent (DEET 20–30%) daily; wear long sleeves and pants at dawn and dusk; sleep under mosquito netting if in endemic areas; consider malaria prophylaxis if visiting rural zones (consult your doctor).

• Tap water is unsafe; water supply is inconsistent (days without supply are common) — bottled water is widely available in cities.

Prepare: Drink only bottled or boiled water; brush teeth with bottled water; avoid ice in drinks; eat hot cooked food only; peel all fruit.

• Medical care is inadequate — serious injury or illness may require medical evacuation to Thailand or India.

Prepare: Obtain comprehensive travel health insurance with evacuation coverage; keep a list of reputable private hospitals (e.g., Square Hospital, United Hospital in Dhaka); carry a basic medical kit (antibiotics, antihistamines, antidiarrheal, pain relief).

VISA & ENTRY

• Tourist visa is required and must be obtained before arrival — on-arrival visas (30-day single entry) are available but carry risk of denial at the border.

Prepare: Apply for a visa at a Bangladeshi embassy or consulate 2–4 weeks before travel; or use an accredited visa service to avoid delays.

• Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date — check passport expiry now; renewal takes 4–6 weeks in Canada.

Prepare: Verify your passport expiry date immediately; renew now if it expires within 6 months of your planned trip.

• Customs officials may request proof of onward/return ticket and proof of sufficient funds — you must carry documentation for your stated purpose (business letter, hotel booking, student enrolment letter).

Prepare: Book return flight before arrival; carry bank statements or credit card showing funds; prepare originals or copies of all required letters and confirmations.

• For business visa, you must provide an Income Tax Clearance or Exemption Certificate on departure — obtain this from Bangladesh authorities before you leave.

Prepare: If travelling on business, ask your local contact to help you obtain the tax certificate in advance; plan 1–2 extra days before departure to process it.

• Dual citizens: "No Visa Required" stamp may limit Canadian consular assistance — if you hold dual citizenship, apply for a Canadian visa instead to preserve full consular protection.

Prepare: Contact the Bangladesh High Commission in Canada to clarify which document is best for your situation; prioritize the Canadian visa for maximum protections.

Verify all visa and entry requirements directly with the nearest embassy or consulate before travel. Requirements can change without notice.

LOCAL LAWS & CULTURE

• Drug laws are strict — possession of illegal drugs carries severe penalties including lengthy imprisonment. Trafficking can result in death penalty.

Prepare: Do not carry or use any illegal substances; do not accept packages or items from strangers.

• Alcohol is legally permitted but culturally sensitive — avoid drinking in public; many Bangladeshis are Muslim and may be offended. Some areas enforce stricter rules.

Prepare: Consume alcohol discreetly in hotels or international establishments; respect local customs in public spaces.

• Photography of government buildings, airports, military installations, and religious sites requires permission — unauthorised photography can result in detention.

Prepare: Ask permission before photographing any official building, mosque, or shrine; do not photograph security forces or checkpoints.

• Dress modestly — especially women; avoid sleeveless tops, short skirts, and tight clothing, particularly outside tourist areas and in religious contexts.

Prepare: Pack lightweight, loose-fitting long pants and knee-length skirts; bring a scarf for visiting mosques.

• LGBTQ+ status: same-sex relationships are not recognized; discrimination and legal risk exist — avoid public displays of affection if LGBTQ+.

Prepare: Keep your sexual orientation and gender identity private in public spaces; research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations beforehand; contact your embassy immediately if you face discrimination or legal issues.

• Forced marriage laws exist; some foreigners have been coerced into marriage — verify the legitimacy of any marriage proposal; do not let family members hold your passport.

Prepare: Keep passport copies in multiple safe locations; if pressured into marriage, contact the Canadian embassy or Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

• Respect for elders and authority is expected — avoid confrontation with police or officials; comply with instructions calmly.

Prepare: Never argue with police; remain courteous at checkpoints; contact your embassy if detained.

PRACTICAL & CONNECTIVITY

• Currency: Bangladeshi Taka (BDT); 1 CAD ≈ 90–100 BDT (verify current rate) — ATMs are widely available in cities but less common in rural areas; credit card fraud is a concern.

Prepare: Withdraw cash from ATMs in banks or public areas; cover the keypad when entering PIN; check credit card statements online weekly; carry USD as backup.

• Power cuts occur daily and last several hours — many areas lack consistent electricity.

Prepare: Charge all devices fully each morning; carry a portable power bank; book hotels with backup generators; travel with a headlamp.

• Water supply is inconsistent — some areas go days without running water.

Prepare: Fill containers when water is available; carry bottled water at all times; confirm your hotel has water storage.

• Mobile networks: Grameenphone, Banglalink, Robi are main providers — SIM cards are inexpensive and widely sold; prepaid is easiest for short-term visitors.

Prepare: Buy a local SIM upon arrival (bring your passport); or use your Canadian roaming plan for emergency access only (high cost).

• Internet is available but inconsistent; speeds are slow in rural areas — major hotels and cafés offer Wi-Fi.

Prepare: Download offline maps before arrival (Google Maps, Maps.me); use VPN if accessing blocked content; have embassy contact info saved offline.

• Tipping is not expected but appreciated — 10% in restaurants is voluntary; small tips for service workers are kind.

Prepare: Carry small notes (100–500 BDT) for tips; ask hotel staff about local tipping norms.

• Road safety is very poor; traffic is chaotic and often fatal — buses are poorly maintained and frequently involved in accidents. Rickshaws and CNGs lack safety standards. Avoid driving after dark.

Prepare: Use only hotel-arranged, registered taxis; avoid buses and long-distance travel after sunset; wear a seatbelt if available; if in an accident where you may be deemed at fault, lock doors and call police immediately from your vehicle.

• Public transportation (trains, ferries, buses) has poor safety standards — thieves are common; ferries have frequent accidents due to overloading and poor maintenance.

Prepare: Travel only during daylight; never travel alone; if taking a ferry, verify life jackets are available and the vessel is not overloaded; lock your train compartment at night.

CLIMATE & TIMING

• Monsoon season: June–September brings heavy rainfall, flooding, and high humidity — roads become impassable; transport disruptions are common.

Prepare: Avoid travel June–September if possible; if necessary, book domestic flights instead of road travel; pack waterproof gear.

• Best time to visit: October–March — warm, dry weather; clear skies; lower humidity.

Prepare: Book flights and hotels 6–8 weeks in advance for this peak season; expect higher prices and crowds.

• Hot season: April–May is extremely hot and humid — temperatures exceed 35°C; heat exhaustion risk is high.

Prepare: Stay hydrated constantly; wear lightweight, breathable clothing; limit outdoor activity midday; use SPF 50+ sunscreen.

• Cyclone season: May and October–November bring tropical storms — severe flooding and wind damage occur.

Prepare: Check weather forecasts daily; avoid coastal areas during cyclone warnings; stay in reinforced shelters.

TOP SIGHTS

• Sundarbans National Park — largest mangrove forest in the world; only place to see Bengal tigers in the wild (though sightings are rare); UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Dhaka National Museum — houses historic artifacts, sculptures, and cultural exhibits; helps contextualize Bangladesh's history and independence.

• Sixty Dome Mosque (Bagerhat) — 15th-century architectural marvel; one of Bangladesh's most important Islamic monuments; set in a historic archaeological zone.

• Sylhet Tea Gardens — picturesque rolling tea plantations in northeast Bangladesh; scenic hikes and cultural immersion with tea workers and local communities.

• Cox's Bazar Beach — longest unbroken beach in the world (120 km); safe for swimming in designated areas; accessible from Dhaka by air; avoid the refugee zones in Ukhia and Teknaf sub-districts.

WHERE TO STAY

Dhaka

• Baridhara — diplomatic and expatriate enclave with enhanced security presence; upscale hotels, restaurants, and embassies; generally safer for foreigners; slightly removed from central chaos but well-connected by taxi.

• Banani — affluent residential and commercial district; shopping malls, international restaurants, embassies; good security; convenient base for business travellers and tourists; pricier accommodation.

• Gulshan — upscale business district with international hotels, restaurants, and shops; strong security presence; convenient to Dhaka's main attractions; higher cost but reliable infrastructure.

Chittagong

• Agrabad — commercial and tourist hub with decent hotels and restaurants; main entry point for Cox's Bazar; safer than outlying areas; straightforward logistics for onward travel.

Cox's Bazar

• Cox's Bazar Town Centre — main tourist area with beachfront hotels and seafood restaurants; lifeguard patrols on beach; avoid Ukhia and Teknaf sub-districts to the south due to refugee camps and limited public infrastructure.

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

• Canadian High Commission in Bangladesh: +880-2-5503-4000; address: House 09, Road 92, Gulshan, Dhaka 1212. Email: dhaka.consular@international.gc.ca

• Emergency Watch and Response Centre (Canada): +1-613-996-8885 or +1-800-387-3124 (24/7)

• Local police (Bangladesh): 999

• Ambulance (Dhaka): 999

• Traveller support: Register your trip with the Government of Canada's Registration of Canadians Abroad service at travel.gc.ca before you leave Canada.